Radiography Tech Salary

Alexandria vs Richmond: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Alexandria, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Alexandria, VA
$101,676
$48.89/hr
Richmond, VA
$84,864
$40.80/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlexandria, VARichmond, VA
Median Salary$101,676$84,864
Hourly Rate$48.89$40.80
Entry Level (P10)$72,560$63,437
25th Percentile$82,970$78,841
75th Percentile$127,720$100,731
Top Earner (P90)$154,372$103,342
Total Employed261,130
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Alexandria ($101,676) and Richmond ($84,864) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.AlexandriaRichmondMedian Salary$101,676$84,864Entry Level (P10)$72,560$63,437Top Earner (P90)$154,372$103,342US Median $84,348

Verdict

Alexandria, VA offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.

The salary gap between Alexandria and Richmond is $16,812 (19.81%). Alexandria's median is +20.54% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alexandria spans $81,812,Richmond spans $39,905. Alexandria has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Alexandria
P10 (Entry)$72,560
P25$82,970
Median$101,676
P75$127,720
P90 (Top)$154,372
Richmond
P10 (Entry)$63,437
P25$78,841
Median$84,864
P75$100,731
P90 (Top)$103,342

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Alexandria ($98,523 effective) pays 13.61% more than Richmond ($86,722 effective).

Alexandria
Nominal: $101,676
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $98,523
Richmond
Nominal: $84,864
CoL Index: 97.858
Adjusted: $86,722

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Alexandria if…

  • Higher median salary ($101,676/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($154,372)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,523)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Richmond if…

  • Larger job market (1,130 employed)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Alexandria grew 33.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 38.3% growth in Richmond over the same period.

Alexandria, VA

+33.5%

$72,347 (2024) → $96,568 (2025)

Richmond, VA

+38.3%

$58,300 (2019) → $80,600 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Alexandria or Richmond?

Alexandria has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $101,676/year, compared to Richmond at $84,864/year — a difference of $16,812 (19.81%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Alexandria and Richmond?

Alexandria radiologic technologist and technicians earn $48.89/hr while Richmond hygienists earn $40.80/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Alexandria to Richmond as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Alexandria and Richmond. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Alexandria = $98,523, Richmond = $86,722), job availability (26 vs 1,130 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Alexandria vs Richmond?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $72,560 in Alexandria and $63,437 in Richmond. The Alexandria area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

Written by Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM)

Career Analyst

Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in radiologic technology. They specialize in mammography and work in an outpatient imaging center.

Clinically reviewed by Marisol Patel, RT(R), BSData verified by Samuel Kim, RT(R)(CT), MHA

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.29% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM), a licensed radiologic technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov